Over the past thirty years, there has been different things that add importance to a home. For example, small bathrooms and kitchens were “must haves”, but now most homeowners expect a spa like bathroom and a gourmet kitchen. Today’s “must haves” in a home include an outdoor living space and the fall season is a great time to tackle your outdoor living space makeover. The wonderful thing about creating an exciting outdoor space is you don’t need a large lot to accomplish this. Below are a few of Stephen’s Picks for what homeowners seek for their new livable outdoor space:
Fire pits: One of the many new fads for outdoor living space is having a fire pit. A fire pit is a great space that for friends and family to convene around and share jokes and stories. Many stores, like your local home improvement shop, usually will have pre-assembled fire pits. You can also visit Lowe’s or Home Depot and buy stone/bricks to create a unique fire pit. If you do not have an existing fire pit but are interested in installing one, contact your local fire department to make sure the location is safe to house one.
Outdoor Kitchen: Years ago, having a simple Weber grill was all one could ever imagine. Today having a full-service outdoor kitchen is normal. Full service outdoor kitchens are equipped with a gas grill, sink, a refrigerator, and some of the more extravagant homes have a fire oven. Even when homeowners are building a new home, one of the new popular options is to run propane to the outdoor kitchen so you don’t have to worry about refilling the propane tanks.
Over sized Patio: Having plenty of room for friends and family to gather and party is a necessity when buying/building a home. One feature that lots of money is put into is over sized patios. Some homes now have more concrete in their backyard then grass. These patios are equipped with tables, chairs, and sometimes even tiki bars so that each visitor is taken care of.
Hardscapes and Landscapes: One of the biggest bandwagons that homeowners are jumping on is the instillation of hardscapes and landscapes. Hardscapes are any man-made features like a patio, a water feature, pond, and any features like retaining walls. Landscapes can be any greenery added for visual
Firepits: One of the many new fads for outdoor living space is having a firepit. A firepit is a great space that for friends and family to convene around and share jokes and stories. Many stores, like your local home improvement shop, usually will have pre-assembled firepits. You can also visit Lowe’s or Home Depot and buy stone/bricks to create a unique firepit. If you do not have an existing firepit but are interested in installing one, contact your local fire department to make sure the location is safe to house one.
Outdoor Kitchen: Years ago, having a simple weber grill was all one could ever imagine. Today having a full-service outdoor kitchen is normal. Full service outdoor kitchens are equipped with a gas grill, sink, a refrigerator, and some of the more extravagant homes have a fire oven. Even when homeowners are building a new home, one of the new popular options is to run propane to the outdoor kitchen so you don’t have to worry about refilling the propane tanks.
Oversized Patio: Having plenty of room for friends and family to gather and party is a necessity when buying/building a home. One feature that lots of money is put into is oversized patios. Some homes now have more concrete in their backyard then grass. These patios are equipped with tables, chairs, and sometimes even tiki bars so that each visitor is taken care of.
Hardscapes and Landscapes: One of the biggest bandwagons that homeowners are jumping on is the instillation of hardscapes and landscapes. Hardscapes are any man-made features like a patio, a water feature, pond, and any features like retaining walls. Landscapes can be any greenery added for visual pleasure, shade, or privacy. Lots of homes today have very exotic landscapes with many types of flowers, trees, and bushes.
Outdoor Spa/pool: Luxurious pools and spas are now one of the biggest “wants” in homes today. Years ago, every pool had the same lining with chlorine, but today you have options like concert, tile, and saltwater. Pools aren’t the only feature that has transformed outdoor living space, spas and hot tubs have also evolved. Hot tubs used to be a chunky fiberglass tub that sat on a patio or deck, but today they are one with pools. Many hot tubs today have a waterfall going into the pool and this waterfall feature also allows pool owners to heat the water in the pool.
Privacy and Shade: With cities constantly growing and new neighborhood popping up everywhere, there is a growing want for privacy. Privacy in the backyard can easily be accomplished. One way to create instant privacy is to install a simple fence. There is an old saying that says, “fences make great neighbors”. Another easy way to create privacy and shade it to plant trees like the Leland cypress tree that will help block out noise and neighbors. Trees are not the only way to create great shade. Things like pergolas and canopy’s can also great much needed shade to fight the summer heat, shade, or privacy. Lots of homes today have very exotic landscapes with many types of flowers, trees, and bushes.
Outdoor Spa/pool: Luxurious pools and spas are now one of the biggest “wants” in homes today. Years ago, every pool had the same lining with chlorine, but today you have options like concert, tile, and saltwater. Pools aren’t the only feature that has transformed outdoor living space, spas and hot tubs have also evolved. Hot tubs used to be a chunky fiberglass tub that sat on a patio or deck, but today they are one with pools. Many hot tubs today have a waterfall going into the pool and this waterfall feature also allows pool owners to heat the water in the pool.
Privacy and Shade: With cities constantly growing and new neighborhood popping up everywhere, there is a growing want for privacy. Privacy in the backyard can easily be accomplished. One way to create instant privacy is to install a simple fence. There is an old saying that says, “fences make great neighbors”. Another easy way to create privacy and shade it to plant trees like the Leland cypress tree that will help block out noise and neighbors. Trees are not the only way to create great shade. Things like pergolas and canopy’s can also great much needed shade to fight the summer heat.
